Fine Gael Senators Paul Bradford and Fidelma Healy-Eames immediately lost the party whip after voting against the legislation.

Senator Martin Conway adds the justice portfolio to equality and disabilities and Senator Imelda Henry adds social protection to her spokespersonship on children. Senator Catherine Noone moves to European Affairs, while Senator Eamonn Coghlan takes up the Arts and Heritage brief.

In the week where Fine Gael launched their Seanad abolition campaign, Mr Kenny said there was is a lot of talent in the party.

“And I know that our spokespeople will do a fine job of getting the message across, that this Government and this Party is making every effort to get our economy back on track,” he said.